Multi-million solar scheme for the north

A scheme worth millions of pounds to install solar panels on buildings across the north east is being considered by North Tyneside Council.


The proposal was considered at a meeting of the council’s cabinet. 

The aim being to reduce the borough’s carbon footprint, lower fuel bills for householders and tenants and generate income for the local authority.

Members of the council gave the go ahead for the procurement of renewable technologies for suitable housing stock and public buildings, such as leisure centres and offices, belonging to the council.

They also approved the exploration of opportunities for owner occupiers in North Tyneside to also benefit from the initiative.

North Tyneside elected mayor, Linda Arkley, said: “This is potentially a really exciting initiative.

“It could lead to a multi-million pound investment that would significantly reduce North Tyneside’s carbon footprint, reduce fuel bills for some of our tenants, and possibly other householders, as well as generate income for the council.”

The scheme would generate on-site electricity, reducing the council’s electricity costs and energy consumption.

The future of some large scale solar projects may be uncertain now after the government signalled that they may not be eligible for the FITs scheme, as outlined in edie recently.

Alison Brown

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